The Mahatma Gandhi Memorial School sprinter Sera Nasilivata claimed the Intermediate Girls 100m title at the 2026 Coca-Cola Games.
Sera describes an achievement made even more remarkable by the fact that it was her first time competing at the inter-school level.
“I feel so happy. There was a lot of pressure when I was sitting out there. This is my first time to participate in the intergrade, so I just had to set my mind right and focus on what I was doing,” she said.
The build-up to the race had not been easy. Sera admitted that nerves threatened to overwhelm her before she even stepped onto the track.
“I felt so scared,” she revealed.
“But in my mind, I was only thinking of my mother, my grandmother, and my family. They came out today in a lot of numbers. I really didn’t want to disappoint them.”
In the quiet moments before the starter’s gun, she turned inward seeking strength through faith.
“I just prayed and asked God to help me and make me maintain my win,” she said.
Sera’s journey is far from over with more events lined up, her focus has already shifted to what lies ahead.
“For tomorrow, we’ll be taking part in the 4x100m and for Saturday is the 200 metres. Hopefully we’ll make it to the finals,” she said.
Sera acknowledged the physical toll of competition.
“Hopefully I’ll have a speed recovery,” she added. “I also have a lot of injuries, but I know God will help me through.”
Sera Nasilivata’s breakthrough victory is the result of family support behind her
